Château de la Gaude is located just outside Cézanne’s city, Aix-en-Provence. Nestled between 250 and 400 meters above sea level, it practices organic and biodynamic viticulture that respects the environment and the soil. All of the Château’s wines are certified Organic Agriculture. The château’s terroir is composed of rocky soils, marl and sandstone. It extends over 17 hectares of vines, classified as AOC Côteaux d’Aix en Provence, with grape varieties consisting of Grenache, Syrah, Cinsault, Cabernet Sauvignon, Rolle, Grenache Blanc and Sémillon.
The Hortense Blanc is produced from Vermentino, which is typical in the area was planted on own rootstock, and Semillon, which was top-grafted onto older vines . The resulting clusters benefit from a root system anchored for decades, while having the freshness of young plants.
The grape varieties are treated separately throughout the vinification before being blended. Harvesting entirely by hand allows for double sorting, both in the vineyard by the team of pickers and then when the grapes arrive in the cellar. It takes place in the early morning, using 10 kg boxes, in order to preserve the freshness and quality of the berries as much as possible. Part of this blend was vinified and aged in a 320L terracotta amphora.
This wine has a pale gold color. On the nose, there are floral and fruity notes opening onto aromas that slowly become more intense with pear, acacia, verbena, with a touch of honey. On the palate it is quite mineral, with pear, yellow fruits like plums and mirabelles, with a toasted hint reminiscent of hazelnut. The finish is quite long and very pleasant. Just delicious!
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